Fluid collection device

ABSTRACT

A fluid collection device for withdrawing a fluid from an object includes a chamber having a plurality of apertures and an opening for flow of the fluid. A tube is positioned in fluid communication with the opening of the chamber for withdrawing fluid out of the chamber. At least one of the apertures is positioned within a recess for substantially preventing clogging of the apertures during collection and removal of the fluid. The plurality of apertures may be interconnected by grooves for directing the flow and preventing clogging of the apertures. The tube has a plurality of holes that are positioned within the chamber and held in place with a retaining ring. The apertures may be positioned so that spaces are provided between the apertures for placement of the tube or other devices. Exposed edges of the chamber and recesses are radiused for reducing irritation to a person.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to devices that transfer fluids and, moreparticularly, to devices for the collection and removal of fluid from anobject.

During medical treatment of a person, may different types of fluids maybe introduced into a person's body, and removed from a person's body. Asan example, during treatment for cancer, chemotherapy drugs may bedisbursed into a person's peritoneal cavity, mixed with other bodilyfluids, and the combination of fluids subsequently removed from theperson's body. Other examples of fluids may include saline solution,blood, drugs, or any other desired fluid that may be necessary fortreatment of an individual.

Various types of equipment are used for withdrawing fluid and otherparticulates from a person's body during a medical procedure, such assurgery. For example, various types of surgical aspirators, tubing andfittings are used during the treatment of a person.

Often during the use of the aspirator or other medical removal device,the holes of the device become clogged or plugged with pieces of debris,such as tissue, blood clots, or the like. Currently, several types oftip guards, sleeves, or other devices have been used in combination withthe aspirator in an attempt to prevent clogging of the holes duringfluid removal.

Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus and method for withdrawing afluid from an object that does not clog during use and that can easilyand efficiently collect and remove the fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fluid collection device for transferring a fluid includes a chamberhaving a plurality of apertures positioned through at least one side ofthe chamber for the flow of the fluid into the chamber. At least one ofthe plurality of apertures is positioned within a recess forsubstantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures duringcollection of the fluid. The diameter of the plurality of apertures issmaller than the diameter of the recess for substantially preventingclogging of the apertures.

The chamber has an opening for withdrawing the fluid from the chamberand a tube is positionable at the opening of the chamber for providingfluid communication between the chamber and the tube for withdrawing thefluid from the chamber through the tube. The tube includes a bore and atleast one hole, having the bore and the at least one hole positionedwithin the chamber for providing additional access points for the flowof the fluid therethrough and out of the chamber. The tube is rotatableand has an angled portion for directing the flow of fluid. A retainingring is positionable about the tube and positionable within the chamberadjacent to the opening for retaining the tube within the chamber.

The first side of the chamber has at least one first space positionedbetween the plurality of apertures for placement of other devices. Thefirst side of the chamber also has a second space positioned between theplurality of apertures, and the second side of the chamber has a thirdspace positioned between the plurality of apertures for placement of thetube.

The first and second sides of the chamber further include at least onegroove positioned connecting at least a portion of the plurality ofapertures for providing a pathway for the flow of the fluid and forsubstantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures. Thefirst and second sides may also include at least one groove positionedextending from at least a portion of the plurality of aperturesoutwardly for providing a pathway for the flow of the fluid and forsubstantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures.

The fluid collection device may further include a retaining member forattachment of other devices thereto, making the fluid collection deviceusable in combination with other devices. A stabilizer having a surfaceand a bore may be used for providing stabilization during collection ofthe fluid. The chamber is formed from a flexible material making thedevice less invasive during use in a person's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter of the invention, it isbelieved the invention will be better understood from the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a fluid collection device;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first side of the fluid collection deviceshowing alternative embodiments of a groove;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second side of the fluid collection device;

FIG. 3A is a partial view of a tube having a plurality of holesextending into a chamber of the fluid collection device, and showing aretaining ring;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the fluid collection device attached to afluid distribution device;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection device attachedto the fluid distribution device; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fluid collection device attached to thefluid distribution device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention described herein provides an apparatus and method forwithdrawing fluid from an object. The apparatus and method can be usedin a medical environment, such as during surgery, treatment, or anyother procedure, or can be used in any other type of environment orapplication. The fluid to be removed may be fluids used during medicalprocedures, such as chemotherapy drugs, saline solution, or other fluidsused during treatment. The fluid can also include blood or other bodilyfluids, small blood clots, small pieces of tissue, such as fat, muscle,or the like, or any other smaller types of material. The apparatus issized for preventing larger pieces of material from passing through.

The object may include a specific area or regions of a person's body,such as for chemotherapy treatment of cavities, for example, theperitoneal space outside of the stomach or the pleural space outside ofthe lungs of a person, or for any other desired treatment areas. Forareas other than a person's body, the object may include any desiredarea that needs fluid collection or removal.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a fluid collection device 10 includes a chamber20 having at least one wall, such as a first side 22, a second side 24,and a third side 26. The first side 22, second side 24 and third side 26are the walls that form the housing of the collection chamber 20. Thefirst, second and third sides 22, 24 and 26 enclose a hollow space 18formed within the chamber 20. The fluid may flow into the hollow spacewithin the chamber 20. The first, second and third sides 22, 24 and 26may be separately formed pieces, may be integrally formed together as asingle piece, or any suitable configuration. As one example, as shown inFIG. 1, the chamber 20 may be formed from two pieces that snap together,such as the first side 22 and a portion of the third side 26 beingintegrally formed together forming a first component. The second side 24and a portion of the third side 26 are integrally formed togetherforming a second component that is engagable with the first componentfor forming the chamber 20.

Preferably, the chamber 20 has radiused edges, such as edge 28, forproviding comfort to the patient and minimizing irritation and trauma tothe person. The first, second, and third sides 22, 24, 26 have aplurality of apertures 30 for transferring fluid therethrough. Thechamber 20 also has an opening 32 for transferring fluid. Preferably,fluid flows into the chamber 20 through the plurality of apertures 30and the fluid flows out of the chamber 20 through the opening 32. Thediameter of the opening 32 is sized for handling a larger volume offluid as compared to the diameter of the plurality of apertures 30.

The plurality of apertures 30 in the first side 22 and the second side24 are each positioned within a recess 40. Preferably, the diameter ofthe apertures 30 is smaller than the diameter of the recess 40 forforming a divot within the first side 22 and the second side 24. Therecess 40 or divot is an elongated protuberance or protrusion extendinginto the interior of the chamber 20. The recess 40 has a first surface,or first edge 34, and a second surface, or second edge 36, that may becurved, arched, flat, straight, concave, convex, or any suitable shape.The aperture 30 is positioned at the bottom or second edge 36 of therecess 40. The first edge 34 is positioned at the opening of the recess40. The opening or first edge 34 has a larger diameter as compared tothe diameter of the second edge 36 or aperture 30.

Preferably, all edges of the first surfaces 34 and the second surfaces36 of the recess 40 are radiused, having no sharp edges for minimizingdamage to the patient and reducing irritation and trauma to the person.Additionally, the radiused edges of the surfaces 34 and 36 moreuniformly funnel the fluid into the recesses 40 and out of the apertures30. The shape of the recess 40 or divot substantially prevents cloggingof the apertures 30 from particles or other debris that may be pulled bya suction or the like during collection and withdrawal of the fluid.

The apertures 30 of the third side 26 may or may not be positionedwithin the recess 40. The plurality of apertures 30 provide a multitudeof access holes for the introduction of the fluid therethrough. In theevent that a few of the apertures 30 become clogged, the use of aplurality of apertures 30 in the chamber 20 provides alternativeentrance areas into the chamber 20.

As one example, referring to FIG. 2, the chamber 20 is disc shaped andmay be formed from a flexible material, a rigid material, or any othersuitable material. The first side 22 of the chamber 20 includes theplurality of apertures 30 positioned circumferentially. The apertures 30are positioned in spaced apart relationship to one another, and may bepositioned in clusters, evenly spaced with respect to one another, or inany various position. The first side 22 has at least one first space 42and a second space 44 positioned between the apertures 30.

An orientation marking, such as an arrow 38 may be positioned on atleast one of the first, second, and third sides 22, 24 and 26 of thechamber 20. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, the arrow 38 is located onthe second side 24 so that the arrow 38 can be viewed while the fluidcollection device 10 is in use. The arrow 38 can be aligned with aperson's incision, a piece of medical equipment, or the like forproviding a specific orientation of the fluid collection device 10.

The first side 22 of the chamber 20 additionally may have a retainingmember 50. The retaining member 50 is a lip, raised edge, or the likefor engagement with another object. The retaining member 50 may becircular or have any shape corresponding to the shape of the devicedesired to be attached thereto. Preferably, the retaining member 50 hasat least one indentation 48. As one example, referring to FIGS. 4-6,positioned on the raised edge 50, the fluid collection device 10 may beattached to an object, such as a fluid distribution device 52. The fluiddistribution device 52 has a disc shape and is seated in the circularraised edge 50 of the retaining member 50. The retaining member 50 issized so that the fluid distribution device 52 snaps into and is snuglyheld by the retaining member 50. The fluid distribution device 52 has adisbursement housing 54 attached to a plurality of tubing 56 for thedistribution of fluid. The tubing 56 is positionable to extend along orwithin the spaces 42 of the first side 22 and between the clusters ofapertures 30 so that the tubing 56 does not block or restrict fluid flowthrough the apertures 30. The tubing 56 may be seated within theindentations 48 of the retaining member 50. The indentations 48 providea positive orientation for the tubing 56. The engagement together of thefluid collection device 10 and the fluid distribution device 52 allowsthe combination of the two devices 10 and 52 to distribute fluid intoand collect fluid from the object in a compact unit.

Additionally, preferably the retaining member 50 has at least oneradiused edge, such as edge 46, for reducing irritation and trauma tothe person. The retaining member 50 may have all edges radiused. Also,the indentations 48 may be radiused.

Preferably, the fluid distribution device 52 and the fluid collectiondevice 10 are removably attached together, such as by snapping thepieces together, enabling either one or the other, or both devices to beused at a time. Alternatively, the fluid distribution device 52 and thefluid collection device 10 can be adhesively attached together,mechanically attached together, or the like.

As an example, referring to FIG. 3, the second side 24 of the chamber 20also has the plurality of the apertures 30 positioned circumferentiallyand in various positions. The apertures 30 are positioned in spacedapart relationship to one another, and may be positioned in variouspatterns or evenly spaced with respect to one another. The second side24 has a third space 60 positioned between the apertures 30.

Both of the first and second sides 22 and 24 may have at least onegroove 62 interconnecting the recesses 40. If a recess is not used aswith the third side 26, then at least one groove 62 may interconnectwith the apertures 30. The groove 62 is a trough, recess, or the likefor directing the flow of fluid. The groove 62 also acts tosubstantially prevent clogging or seating of material that may preventfluid flow through the apertures 30. The grooves 62 may extend radiallyor outwardly from the apertures 30 for directing the flow of the fluid.The grooves 62 may also extend in an arc for providing a curved orcircular pathway for connecting the recesses 40 and apertures 30together for directing the fluid flow. The grooves 62 provide a pathwayfor the flow of the fluid. The grooves 62 fluidly interconnect theplurality of apertures 30. Preferably, the grooves 62 connect to each ofthe apertures 30, but alternatively, may connect only a portion of theplurality of apertures 30 together.

Preferably, the groove 62 has radiused edges, such as a radiusedshoulder 58 and radiused corners 70, for providing comfort to the personand facilitating flow of the fluid. The grooves 62 may be shallow, deepor any suitable depth and width for substantially preventing clogging ofthe fluid collection device 10 and facilitating flow of the fluid.Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a portion 66 of the groove 62 is shownhaving a greater depth and width than adjacent portions of the groove62. The groove 62 may have a uniform size throughout the chamber 20, ormay have varying sizes for facilitating flow of the fluid andsubstantially preventing clogging.

The chamber 20 may have at least one support 64 to prevent the first andsecond sides 22 and 24 from collapsing toward one another. The support64 is a boss, circular protuberance, elongated support, or the like forstructurally supporting the first and second sides 22 and 24. Thesupport 64 may be one piece attached to either one of the first andsecond sides 22 and 24 and contacting the other of the first and secondsides 22 and 24 during use, may be two pieces having one piece attachedto each of the first and second sides 22 and 24 and engagable with oneanother, or any other suitable construction.

The chamber 20 may or may not have an extension 68 extending from thethird side 26 of the chamber 20. Alternatively, the extension 68 may bepositioned in any desired location. The opening 32 is positioned at theextension 68, or alternatively, flush with an outside wall of thechamber 20.

A tube 72 is used for withdrawing the fluid from the chamber 20. Thetube 72 is sized for engagement with the opening 32 of the chamber 20.Preferably, the tube 72 is disposed through the opening 32, through theextension 68, and is positioned partially within the interior of thechamber 20. Alternatively, the tube 72 may be attached to the third side26 of the chamber for providing the fluid communication between the tube72 and the chamber 20. The tube 72 has at least one hole 74 in a wall ofthe tube 72 for flow of the fluid therethrough. Preferably, a pluralityof the holes 74 are positioned at one end of the tube 72. The at leastone hole 74 is positioned within the chamber 20 for providing additionalaccess points for the fluid to flow through. In the event that the bore76 of the tube 72 becomes clogged, the fluid may flow through the atleast one hole 74.

The tube 72 is preferably positioned along the space 44 of the firstside 22 and along the space 60 of the second side 24 for reducing oreliminating blockage of the plurality of apertures 30 of the chamber 20.Also, this positioning avoids contact or interference of the tube 72with the divots 40 that protrude into the interior of the chamber 20.

The tube 72 is rotatable within the opening 32 for enabling a person toadjust the positioning of the tube 72 with respect to the chamber 20 andwith respect to the object that the fluid collection device 10 ispositioned in. Additionally, there may be a channel 90 formed betweenthe outside diameter of the tube 72 and the inside diameter of theopening 32 for allowing seepage of the fluid therethrough for providingan additional access point for the flow of the fluid. The tube 72 mayalso be straight, have an elbow or angled portion 78, be at leastpartially bent, or any other suitable shape for providing a variety ofpositions of the tube 72 during use. The tube 72 is preferably flexible,but alternatively, may be rigid or any suitable material.

Referring to FIG. 1, a retaining ring 80 is sized for positioning aboutthe tube 72 and is positionable within the chamber 20. The insidediameter of the retaining ring 80 is substantially equal to or slightlysmaller than the outside diameter of the tube 72 for enabling theretaining ring 80 to be snugly disposed on the tube 72. The outsidediameter of the retaining ring 80 is larger than the diameter of theopening 32 of the chamber 20 for preventing the retaining ring 80 fromslipping through the opening 32, thereby holding the tube 72 securely inposition with respect to the chamber 20. The retaining ring 80 may havea square profile, a round profile, or any other suitable shape. Theretaining ring 80 may be adhesively attached to the tube 72,frictionally secured, mechanically attached, or the like for securingthe ring 80 to the tube 72 and for preventing the tube 72 from comingout of the chamber 20.

The chamber 20 may have a retaining groove 92 positioned in the firstside 22 and the second side 24 for seating the retaining ring 80 withinthe groove 92 within the chamber 20. The retaining groove 92 is aprotruding arch extending outwardly from the chamber and is sized forhousing the ring 80 therein. Preferably, the retaining ring 80 isrotatable within the groove 92 for manipulation of the tubing 72 withrespect to the chamber 20.

A stabilizer 82 may be used to assist in stabilizing the fluidcollection device 10 during use. The stabilizer 82 has a bore 84therethrough that has a diameter sized for the disposition of a tube 86through the bore 84. The tube 86 introduces fluid into the fluiddistribution device 52. The stabilizer 82 is slidable along the lengthof the tube 86 for adjusting the position of the stabilizer 82 along thelength of the tube 86. The bore 84 is sized so that when the stabilizer82 is positioned in the desired location along the tube 86, thestabilizer 82 is snugly held in that position. The stabilizer 82 has asurface 88 which contacts the object for supporting the fluid collectiondevice 10 during use. The stabilizer 82 acts as a clamp for securing orholding the components stationary with respect to the person or object.

Preferably, the components of the fluid collection device 10 areconstructed from a clear material for enabling a person to visuallyobserve the fluid being collected and withdrawn from the object.

In operation, as an example, the fluid collection device 10 ispositioned in an object, such as a person's body during surgery. If thefluid collection device 10 is used in combination with the fluiddistribution device 52, then the fluid collection device 10 ispositioned below the fluid distribution device 52, allowing fluid toflow into the body from a higher point, sink due to gravity, and to beremoved from the body at a lower point in the body. The fluiddistribution device 52 is secured within the retaining member 50.Otherwise, the fluid collection device 10 alone may be positioned in anydesired location in an object.

The tube 72 is rotated or positioned to extend from the chamber 20 tooutside of the person's body in a desired position. If the fluiddistribution device 52 is used, after the person's body is closed withthe fluid collection device 10 within the body, the stabilizer 82 isslid along the tube 86 until the stabilizer 82 contacts the person'sbody and acts like a clamp against the person's body.

A withdrawal force, such as suction, siphon, gravity or the like, isapplied to the tube 72 enabling fluid to be pulled from within the body,through the plurality of apertures 30 of the chamber 20, through theholes 74 and the bore 76 of the tube 72, through the opening 32, and outof the body or other object through the tube 72.

An advantage of the fluid collection device 10 is that the design of theplurality of apertures 30 provides a greater opportunity for fluid toflow into the chamber 20 due to a multitude of access points for thefluid to flow through. The use of a plurality of holes 74 in the tube 72and the channel 90 also provide multiple access points.

Another advantage is that the design of the recesses 40 and grooves 62substantially prevent or reduce clogging of the plurality of apertures30 to facilitate continuous fluid flow into the chamber 20 during use.

Another advantage is the use of the retaining member 50, the spaces 42,and the indentation 48 for engagement with other devices, such as otherpieces of medical equipment, for example the fluid distribution device52, or the like. The use of spaces 44 and 60 is advantageous forplacement of other devices, such as tubing, medical equipment, or anydesired device, without interference with the divots 40 or plurality ofapertures 30.

Yet another advantage is the use of a flexible material for the chamber20. The soft or semi-flexible chamber 20 is adaptable to the variouscrevices within a person's body or other object for fitting the chamber20 in a desired position. The flexible material is less invasive duringuse in a person's body. The flexible material makes the chamber 20usable in a variety of other situations. The flexible tube 72 alsoallows for various positioning of the chamber 20 and tube 72.

Another advantage is the use of radiused edges on all exposed surfaces.This eliminates all rough or sharp edges that may cause discomfort to aperson during use of the fluid collection device. The use of radiusededges reducing irritation and trauma to the patient.

An advantage of the retaining member is that the fluid collection deviceis usable in combination with other devices, such as medical devices orany other suitable application. The fluid collection device can be usedalone, or in combination with other devices.

Thus there has been shown and described a novel fluid collection deviceand method which fulfills all the objects and advantages soughttherefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses andapplications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent tothose skilled in the art after considering this specification togetherwith the accompanying drawings and claims. All such changes,modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to becovered by the invention which is limited only by the claims whichfollow.

I claim:
 1. A fluid collection device for transferring a fluid,comprising: a chamber having a first side and a second side positionedin space apart relationship to one another, and having a third sidepositioned between the first and the second sides, the first, second andthird sides forming the chamber therebetween; the chamber having aplurality of apertures positioned through the first, second and thirdsides for flow of the fluid into the chamber; the chamber having atleast one recess, and at least one of the first and second sides of thechamber having each of the plurality of apertures positioned within oneof the at least one recess for substantially preventing clogging of theplurality of apertures during collection of the fluid, the diameter ofthe plurality of apertures being smaller than the diameter of the atleast one recess for substantially preventing clogging of the pluralityof apertures; the chamber having at least one groove positionedconnecting at least a portion of the at least one recess for providing apathway for flow of the fluid through the at least one groove, throughthe at least one recess and into the plurality of apertures; the chamberhaving an opening positioned in one of the at least one first, secondand third sides for withdrawing the fluid from the chamber; a tubepositioned in fluid communication with the opening of the chamber forwithdrawing the fluid from the chamber through the tube the chamberhaving a retaining member extending therefrom, and the retaining memberhaving a plurality of indentations spaced around the retaining member; afluid distribution device having a disbursement housing attached to aplurality of tubing member extending therefrom for the distribution ofthe fluid, the fluid distribution device engageable with the retainingmember of the chamber of the fluid collection device, wherein each ofthe tubing members is seated in a respective one of the indentations ofthe retaining member; and the chamber having a plurality of firstspaces, each of the first spaces being positioned between a respectivepair of the apertures for placement of the plurality of the tubingmembers of the fluid distribution device for reducing restriction of thefluid flow through the plurality of apertures and from the chamber. 2.The fluid collection device according to claim 1, further comprising;the first and second sides of the chamber having the at least one groovepositioned connecting at least a portion of the at least one recess forproviding a circular pathway for flow of the fluid through the at leastone groove and through the at least one recess for interconnecting theplurality of apertures for enhancing flow of the fluid and forsubstantially preventing clogging of the plurality of apertures; and thefirst and second sides of the chamber having the at least one groovepositioned extending from at least a portion of at least one recessoutwardly for providing a radial pathway for flow of the fluid forinterconnecting the plurality of apertures for enhancing flow of thefluid and for substantially preventing clogging of the plurality ofapertures.
 3. The fluid collection device according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one recess is an elongated protuberance having a first edgeand a second edge, the first and the second edges having radiused edgesfor facilitating flow of the fluid and for substantially preventingclogging of the plurality of apertures.
 4. The fluid collection deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first spaces are spaced around thefirst surface of the chamber, wherein the plurality of indentations aresymmetrically spaced around the retaining member with each indentationbeing aligned with a respective one of the first spaces.